This is a Blog covering Gary's wine tasting experiences, in his travels, various London wine societies, tasting events and private functions. It is also the official Blog of the Chelsea and Fulham Wine Society.
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Thursday, 19 April 2012

Tasted 28/03/12 at Central London Wine Society. 16%, cork closure (n/a UK, about €85). Classic, massive, brooding and rich Amarone wine, though not quite as huge in structure as some estates.
This is a beautiful wine, dark, smoky nose, with heaps of black fruit and pimento. In the mouth, the wine is still very young but enjoyable now: firm tannins and sweet fruit, warm finish with hints of bitter chocolate and coffee. This wine has a long way to go and a great life ahead of it but it's so seductive now.....
From 2015, 18/20.

This wine was last tasted in January 2011 at Central London Wine Society and has improved greatly:See link
'Tasted 19/01/11 at CLWS. 13.5 % ca. £15 in Majestic. A fine example of
the Ripasso style, a wine that has become a little debased of late but
this wine shows that it can still be fine wine, if well made. This is
single estate (La Casetta di Ettore Righetti Estate) rather than a
blend, and it shows. Deep purple colour with a complex black fruits
nose. A silky, elegant, palate with a real mouthful of plums and
damsons, spicy kick on the finish. Great wine, drink now while it still
has some youth. From 2011, 17/20'

March 2012: tasted at Central London Wine Society. I would reinforce the comments above and just add that the wine has improved. Drink now to 2015. 17.5/20

Yasted 13/04/12. 13% ABV, screw cap closure. This wine was provided by German Wine Agencies, UK. Peth-Wetz is an up and coming Rheinhessen producer. This is a lovely light wine, the blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc works really well. A fruity nose, zesty on the palate. Fresh acidity and great balance. This shows what great quality is now available at entry level with German wines. 16/20. Drink now. Contact Claudia Pech at GWA sales@germanwineagencies.co.uk for availability.

Tasted 13/04/12. 13% ABV. Cork closure (available still from some merchants by the case at about £50 per bottle). This example kindly provided by Christopher Tew. A lovely wine, ready to drink now. The 2001's are overshadowed by the great 2000 vintage in Bordeaux but many of the 01's are coming round and provide great 'value' drinking. The DdC is perhaps more noted for its white wine but the red Pesac-Leognan wines provide excellent value compared to Medoc, if such a thing is possible in Bordeaux! The cepage is usually 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc
This a lovely claret, great balance. Medium red colour, medium bodied and dry. Great cured ham and crushed blackberries on the nose. It now has smooth tannins and well balanced fruit. Some people would lay this wine down longer but i think it's great now. From 2012. This wine has 89 Parker Points and I would award it now 17.5/20 (JR gives it 16.5).